title: Iatrogenic ureteral injury: can adult repair techniques be used on children?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Iatrogenic ureteral injury in children is a rare occurrence, with sparse literature available regarding optimal repair techniques. We reviewed our experience in the management of iatrogenic pediatric ureteral injuries, particularly with respect to initial versus delayed diagnoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  All pediatric iatrogenic ureteral injuries repaired by a single surgeon during 1986-2007 were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten injuries were repaired over 20 years. Median patient age was 12 years. Injuries occurred during five open tumor resections, three laparoscopic procedures and two ureteroscopies. Diagnosis was immediate in four patients. Median ureteral defect length was 4 cm (range 2-5). All underwent ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch Boari flap. Median follow up was 1 year, with no obstruction noted. Diagnosis was delayed in six patients by a median of 21 days. Five children (83%) were managed by temporary percutaneous nephrostomy tube and one (17%) by ureteral stent. Delayed repair was performed 1-3 months later. In the patients with laparoscopic or ureteroscopic injuries the median ureteral defect length was 4 cm (range 3-6). All underwent ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch Boari flap. Median follow up was 1 year, with no obstruction noted. One child had a proximal ureteral defect 8 cm long; delayed ileal ureter was performed with good results 4 years postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric iatrogenic ureteral injuries are rare and may be repaired by both immediate and delayed techniques as circumstances demand. Standard techniques used in the adult population may be employed in children with the expectation of good long-term results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Routh
authors.forename: Matthew K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Tollefson
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ashley
authors.forename: Douglas A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Husmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*